Artwork

Sir Frederick C. Gardiner (1855–1937)

Sir Frederick C. Gardiner (1855–1937), by James Guthrie, oil, 1920
Sir Frederick C. Gardiner (1855–1937), by James Guthrie, oil, 1920

Sir Frederick C. Gardiner (1855–1937) is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist James Guthrie. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre.

About this work

If you're interested in learning more about the artist who created this piece, you might want to look up James Guthrie.

This portrait painting shows a man in a brown coat with a green scarf, standing in front of a wall with a column. He has short, dark hair and is wearing a white shirt with a high collar. His right hand is tucked into his coat pocket, and his left hand is holding the edge of his coat. The background is a muted brown color with some lighter shades on the right side.

The man's expression is serious, and he appears to be looking directly at the viewer. His attire suggests a formal or professional setting, possibly from the early 20th century. The overall mood of the painting is somber and introspective.

If you're interested in learning more about the artist who created this piece, you might want to look up James Guthrie.

Overview

This 1920 oil portrait by James Guthrie depicts Sir Frederick C. Gardiner, capturing him in a formal, introspective pose. The work combines elements of Scottish Realism with Impressionist influences.

Subject & Meaning

Sir Frederick C. Gardiner, the subject, is portrayed in a serious, contemplative manner, dressed in attire suggestive of a professional or formal early 20th-century setting. His direct gaze engages the viewer.

Technique & Style

Guthrie employs muted color tones, notably browns and greens, with subtle lighter accents in the background. The overall somber mood reflects Guthrie's adaptation of Impressionist techniques within a Scottish Realist framework.

History & Provenance

Created in 1920, the portrait is part of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum's collection. Guthrie, initially recognized as a portraitist, is now more closely associated with the Scottish Realist movement.

Context

The painting reflects the early 20th-century formal attire and the artistic shift towards capturing everyday realism and emotions, characteristic of the period's Scottish Realist and Impressionist movements.

Artist & collection

Portrait of James Guthrie

Artist

James Guthrie

Sir James Guthrie (10 June 1859 – 6 September 1930) was a Scottish painter, associated with the Glasgow Boys. He is best known in his own lifetime for his portraiture, although today more generally regarded as a painter of Scottish Realism.